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State Rep. Hiner Applauds $92 Million Investment in Healthcare Expansion for Rural Ohioans

October 20, 2026
Mark Hiner News

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State Representative Mark Hiner (R-Howard) is pleased to share that Governor DeWine recently announced $92 million in awards through the Rural Health Transformation Program to expand access to quality healthcare in rural Ohio.

“As a member of the Rural Hospital Caucus, I am committed to ensuring rural hospitals in my district have the support and resources they need to innovate and deliver high-quality care. These investments are critical to strengthening rural healthcare,” said Rep. Hiner.

The House Rural Hospital Caucus reinforced that rural independent hospitals are vital to the communities they serve – providing emergency care, employment opportunities, and overall community well-being. This funding will help rural hospitals manage chronic illnesses and expand access to preventive, primary, maternal, and behavioral healthcare. 

The initial $92 million in awards, administered by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), includes:

  • $31.4 million to establish or expand Clinically Integrated Networks (CIN) and Rural Health Innovation Hubs
  • $30.3 million to improve maternal care
  • $30.3 million in one-time investments to 22 rural hospitals

The Rural Health Transformation Fund was created as a portion of the One Big Beautiful Bill that President Trump signed in July 2025. The House Rural Hospital Caucus specifically advocated for the one-time investment awards to go to rural independent hospitals. 

Three hospitals in House District 98 - Pomerene Hospital in Millersburg, Knox Community Hospital in Mount Vernon, and Coshocton Regional Medical Center in Coshocton - were each awarded $1.3 million through the grant, for a combined total of $3.9 million. The funding will support quality improvement projects, including opening additional healthcare units and expanding available services, helping the hospitals improve patient care and increase access to quality healthcare for Ohioans in their communities.

To learn more about the details of this announcement, click here.